Cambridge City Council meeting - March 31, 2025 - AGENDA

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Federal update. (CM25#67)
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang on staff reduction in federal agencies, concerns about long-term local impacts, loss of funding to local programs, changes in public housing eligibility and subsidies, actions by ICE w/o due process, hope for judicial intervention and correction, City signing on to legal challenges; comments by Siddiqui, Nolan, Wilson, Simmons - especially in regard to Cambridge Housing Authority; Placed on File 9-0

2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-53, regarding assisting companies, institutions, and other organizations in adopting truck safety requirements. (CM25#68) [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler (JSW); comments by JSW, Brooke McKenna (TPT), Toner, Zusy, Wilson; Placed on File 9-0

3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-66 regarding an automated parking enforcement draft home rule petition. (CM25#69) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, City Solicitor Megan Bayer, Zusy, Toner, Simmons, Wilson; Order Adopted 9-0

4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-02, which requested that the City Manager ensure adherence to the existing prevailing wage ordinance, maintenance of consistent wage rates, provision of comprehensive employer-paid benefits, and development of a clear local employment strategy in relation to the construction of a new substation and the installation of duct banks. (CM25#70) [text of report]
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, Toner, Megan Bayer, McGovern; Placed on File 9-0

5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-68 regarding Garden Street two-way traffic alternatives. (CM25#71) [text of report]
pulled by Toner; Toner motion requesting staff to move forward with option #4 in report; Nolan comments on bike lanes staying under all options, likes bi-directional bike lanes, two-way traffic lowers traffic speed; McGovern comments - not a clear consensus; Brooke McKenna responds that current configuration is best; JSW inquires about original process, costs of changing configuration; Steven Meuse (TPT) responds re: process, McKenna responds re: costs; JSW wishes to exercise Charter Right on Toner motion (is that an option?); Megan Bayer states that as a new Order, a Charter Right is in order; Simmons explains that a Charter Right should cease discussion; Toner explains original order from last year and that delay will only lead to many communications and public comments at next meeting; Megan Bayer explains best practice re: use of Charter Right; Simmons provides wisdom on this; Charter Right - Sobrinho-Wheeler

6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Floodplain Zoning Amendments. (CM25#72) [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; Order Adopted as City Council Petition 9-0; Referred to Planning Board & Ordinance Committee 9-0

7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a memo regarding 84 and 96 Bishop Allen RFI submission responses and next steps. (CM25#73) [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner re: other lots and public-private partnerships; comments by Acting CDD Director Melissa Peters, Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern, Zusy (RFPs vs. RFIs, parking), Megan Bayer, Siddiqui, Wilson, Azeem, Simmons (on long history of inaction on Central Square), Yi-An Huang, Nolan; Referred Back to City Manager 9-0

8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-17 which requested that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to appoint the members of a working committee tasked with integrating the objectives of both the Task Force to Examine the Status and Wellbeing of the City’s African American/Black Population and the Commission on the Status of Black Men and Boys into a unified, actionable framework. (CM25#74) [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on Harvard PILOT negotiations. (CM25#75) [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, Yi-An Huang, Taha Jennings (Budget Director), Nolan, JSW, Siddiqui; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Wilson Absent)

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Department of Public Works to work together with the Chair of the Health and Environment Committee to make appropriate changes to the draft of the Zero Waste Master Plan 2.0 and forward a final draft to the full City Council for approval as the City’s policy document on zero waste.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Wilson (PO25#41)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Wilson Absent)

2. Appointment of Paula M. Crane as Interim City Clerk effective June 1, 2025.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern (PO25#42)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Wilson Absent)

3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to prioritize Cambridge Street and Northern Massachusetts Avenue first and to introduce the necessary zoning language and to continue working on Central Square as soon as practicable.   Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner (PO25#43)
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, McGovern, Zusy, Nolan; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

4. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Cambridge Police Department, and Human Rights Commission, and local immigrant rights and immigrant-serving organizations to develop and implement policies and protocols to prevent illegal detainment, hold Know Your Rights trainings, and ensure that the City of Cambridge is adequately prepared to respond to and mitigate violations of this nature.   Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Nolan (PO25#44)
pulled by Azeem; comments by Azeem (wants City’s Law Dept. to intervene), Siddiqui, Wilson, Simmons; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

5. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to do more outreach to residents, businesses, and property owners to communicate the drought status and take all measures to reduce nonessential water use citywide, and provide a report on citywide water usage and water supply.   Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Siddiqui (PO25#45)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Wilson Absent)

6. That the Human Services and Veterans Committee hold a meeting to discuss Sex Work and Sex Trafficking.   Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui (PO25#46)
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, McGovern, Toner; Order Adopted 9-0

2. An application was received from MGM Development Co. requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 74 Hammond Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. Response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Charter Right – Nolan, Mar 24, 2025] (AP25#17)
Order Adopted 7-2 (Nolan, Zusy - No)

ON THE TABLE
3. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $570,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account for the procurement of replacement firearms for the Police Department. These funds would support the purchase of replacement firearms for the Department. Police Department firearms are typically replaced on approximately a ten-year cycle. The manufacturer has ceased production of the model currently used and replacements are almost impossible to source. It is important that department personnel are all trained on the same firearm to ensure safety and interoperability. [Tabled – Mar 17, 2025] (CM25#40)
Removed from Table 9-0; Comments by Toner, Nolan, Azeem, CPD Commissioner Christine Elow, Yi-An Huang, Siddiqui (beholden to DSA), McGovern (who notes that he is in discussion with DSA re: homeless shelter that was cited as a false choice of guns vs. shelters - why exactly does DSA have any standing in this discussion?), JSW, Zusy, Taha Jennings, Wilson, Simmons; Order Adopted 6-3 (Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler - No); Reconsideration Fails 1-8 (Nolan - Yes)

4. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $160,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account for the procurement of a new fully electric accessible transport wagon. This funding will allow the purchase of a fully electric, American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant transport wagon to replace one of the aging F350s. The new vehicle will ensure the safe and comfortable transport of community members to court, shelters, and other service providers. [Tabled – Mar 17, 2025] (CM25#41)
Removed from Table 9-0; Order Adopted 9-0; Reconsideration Fails 0-9

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk Diane P. LeBlanc, relative to Cambridge Municipal Code 13.08, Water System Regulations and Chapter 13.12, Water Reservoirs. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Mar 24, 2025; Eligible to be Ordained Apr 7, 2025] (ORD25#8) [text of report]

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Donna J. Barry.   Vice Mayor McGovern

2. 20th anniversary of the Andrea Harvey Memorial Fund.   Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern

3. Resolution on the passing of Joseph Nichols, Sr.   Mayor Simmons

4. Resolution on the death of Carol Elizabeth Moses.   Councillor Zusy, Councillor McGovern

5. Congratulations to Paula Gates on her retirement from the Water Department.   Councillor Toner

6. Congratulations to Meredith Woods on her retirement from the Cambridge Public Library.   Councillor Toner

7. Congratulations to Brian McCoy on his retirement from the Cambridge Water Department.   Councillor Toner

8. Congratulations to James Rita on his retirement from the Cambridge Water Department.   Councillor Toner

9. Resolution Congratulating Local Author Ora Grodsky.   Councillor Wilson

10. Resolution Acknowledging National Library Week 2025.   Mayor Simmons

11. Resolution Recognizing April as International Black Women’s History Month.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Wilson

13. Resolution Honoring 45th Anniversary of the Xi Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta.   Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF25#56)
Placed on File 9-0

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Mar 31
10:00am   The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss proposed amendments to the Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 13.08, Water System Regulations and Chapter 13.12, Water Reservoirs, to include revised drought regulations and procedures.
5:30pm   City Council Meeting

Mon, Apr 7
5:30pm   City Council Meeting

Thurs, Apr 10
3:00pm   The Human Services and Veterans Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss services being provided to the unhoused community and an update on the opioid settlement funds.

Mon, Apr 14
2:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss regulations to encourage the use of solar energy systems and protect solar access for Registered Solar Energy Systems. (PO25#7)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting

Wed, Apr 16
3:00pm   The Finance Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss capital and large-scale programs and projects currently underway and in the funding plan, and potential future programming and projects that would need to be planned and incorporated into medium- and long-term capital and operating budgets.

Thurs, Apr 17
3:00pm   The Human Services and Veterans Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the feasibility of a successor program to Rise Up.

Mon, Apr 28
5:30pm   City Council Meeting

Mon, May 5
5:30pm   City Council Meeting

Thurs, May 8
9:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the FY26 City budget covering the fiscal period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

Mon, May 12
5:30pm   City Council Meeting

Tues, May 13
6:00pm   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the FY26 School Department budget covering the fiscal period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

Wed, May 14
9:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the FY26 City budget covering the fiscal period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

Thurs, May 15
9:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the FY26 City and School budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 (if necessary).

Mon, May 19
5:30pm   City Council Meeting

Mon, June 2
5:30pm   City Council Meeting

Mon, June 9
5:30pm   City Council Meeting

Mon, June 16
5:30pm   City Council Meeting

Mon, June 23
5:30pm   City Council Meeting

Mon, June 30
5:30pm   City Council Meeting

AWAITING REPORT LIST
24-53. at the City of Cambridge assist companies, institutions, and other organizations in adopting truck safety requirements for their fleets and finding trucking vendors who are able to comply by providing an informational resource and publicizing those that comply.  See Mgr #2
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Azeem (O-1) from 9/16/2024

24-64. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a Home Rule Petition to enact legislation which would allow the City of Cambridge to prohibit associations from unreasonably restricting the use of a solar energy system.
(Calendar Item #1) from 11/18/2024

24-66. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a draft home rule petition to authorize the City of Cambridge to implement automated parking enforcement technology; and to continue to work with the City of Boston to collaborate on the home rule process.  See Mgr #3
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui (O-1) from 11/18/2024

24-67. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to review with a robust and inclusive community process the Cambridge Bicycle Plan, most recently updated in 2020, and identify potential improvements and consider next steps for a network of Separated Bicycle Facilities, and Separated Bicycle Facilities on streets across the city in order to facilitate safer travel and ways to coordinate routes with neighboring communities including Arlington, Somerville, Watertown, Belmont, Boston, and others.
Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-1) from 12/2/2024

24-68. The City Manager is requested to work with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and Harvard University to restore Garden Street to two-way automobile traffic while preserving two-way protected bike lanes, preserving as much parking on and/or near Garden Street as possible and identifying potential areas for resident parking on neighboring streets and communicating the changes to the affected neighborhood.   See Mgr #5
Councillor Toner, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Wilson (O-1) from 12/9/2024

25-2. That the City Manager ensure staff work to Adherence to the existing prevailing wage ordinance, Maintenance of consistent wage rates, Provision of comprehensive employer-paid benefits and Development of a clear local employment strategy.   See Mgr #4
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-1) from 1/27/2025

25-3. The City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with a update on the status and timeline for the completion of the Grand Junction Multiuse Path and how implementation between Gore Street and Little Binney could coincide with Phase 2 of the CSO implementation on Cambridge Street.
Councillor Toner, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (O-2) from 1/27/2025

25-4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to develop zoning recommendations, pursuant to M.G.L. c.40A §9B, for regulations to encourage the use of solar energy systems and protect solar access for Registered Solar Energy Systems that have been in existence for one year, per Ordinance Ch. 22.60, specifically on structures over 4 stories.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy (O-5) from 1/27/2025

25-5. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a report on the use of M.G.L. Ch. 40U to determine which local statutes can be enforced by the local-option procedure in order to better collect fines in violation of Cambridge ordinances and provide a recommendation to the City Council for implementation of Ch. 40U procedures.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zusy (O-2) from 2/3/2025

25-6. The City Manager is requested to work with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to investigate safety improvements such as signalization to the intersection of Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, Cambridge Street, and Warren Street, and to implement these changes as soon as possible.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan (O-1) from 2/10/2025

25-8. The City Manager is requested to create a plan with a schedule and milestones to move forward with the creation of a Municipal Broadband Network and present it for consideration by the Council at a Finance Committee meeting in the context of capital projects for coming years.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Wilson (O-3) from 2/10/2025

25-9. The City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant departments about exploring how the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department can advance protection of Cambridge students and other bus riders as authorized by the two new Massachusetts laws.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Toner (O-4) from 2/10/2025

25-16. The City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to coordinate with the MBTA in finding ways in which to strengthen safety measures.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Azeem (O-3) from 3/3/2025

25-11. The City Manager is requested to exert all appropriate influence on EZ Ride and Passio to take immediate and concrete steps to fully resolve tracking deficiencies and improve real-time transit accuracy for riders.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui (O-4) from 3/3/2025

25-12. The City Manager is requested to work with all appropriate Departments to develop language to create an “Affordable Rent Incentive Program” program for Cambridge and to report back to the City Council with option, including the percentage of possible tax abatements.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner (O-5) from 3/3/2025

25-13. The City Manager is requested to commit to prioritizing snow removal from crosswalks and pedestrian islands for the rest of this and future snow seasons and direct appropriate City staff to generate a policy for prioritizing snow removal from crosswalks and pedestrian islands after snow storms.
Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons (O-7) from 3/3/2025

25-15. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to create a plaque to be placed at the entrance of or inside City Hall that demonstrates the values that the Cambridge City Council upholds of the separation of church and state and gender equality.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons (O-13) from 3/3/2025

25-17. The City Manager is requested to appoint the members of a working committee tasked with integrating the objectives of both the Task Force to Examine the Status and Wellbeing of the City’s African American/Black Population and the Commission on the Status of Black Men and Boys into a unified, actionable framework (Report Back in 30 days).   See Mgr #8
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Wilson (O-1) from 3/17/2025

25-18. The City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City departments to draft language to create an Ordinance to ensure that vacant store fronts and commercial properties keep their properties in safe and clean conditions.
Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson (O-2) from 3/17/2025

25-19. The City Manager provide the Council with a report before May 31, 2025, that includes a summary of all requests for approval of Surveillance Technology Impact Reports received by the city council during the prior year pursuant to Section 2.128.030 or Section 2.128.040 of the Surveillance Ordinance, including whether the City Council approved, disapproved, or required modifications to the Surveillance Technology Impact Reports received, for the Council to review and adopt.
Councillor Toner (O-4) from 3/17/2025

25-20. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department to develop a timeline for the next Incentive Zoning Nexus Study.
Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zusy (O-1) from 3/24/2025

25-21. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Office of the Housing Liaison and all relevant departments to ensure the successful implementation of an outreach and assistance campaign to provide broad and equitable access to eviction record sealing for eligible Cambridge tenants.
Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Wilson (O-2) from 3/24/2025

25-22. That the City Manager is requested to work with the School Department, the Department of Public Works, and other relevant departments to open the publicly owned parking at the King Open/Cambridge Street Upper School Complex for either residential free parking or commercial parking opportunities during “off” hours.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner (O-3) from 3/24/2025

25-23. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments and institutional stakeholders currently operating some form of shuttle to explore options for a municipal transit pilot program.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy (O-4) from 3/24/2025